Electronic device

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes: a communication unit that is engaged in communication with an external device; a control unit that adds image information into transmission data to be transmitted to the communication unit; and a decision-making unit that makes a decision in correspondence to information indicating a recipient of the transmission data as to whether or not to allow photographing location information included in the image information to be included in the transmission data.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/385,297 filed Apr. 3, 2009, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2007/069496 filed Oct. 4, 2007.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of the following applications are herein incorporated byreference:

Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-273038 filed Oct. 4, 2006

Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-124290 filed May 9, 2007

International Application No. PCT/JP2007/069496 filed Oct. 4, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic device that enablesdisplay of a photographing location on a map image.

2. Description of Related Art

Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-148514 discloses a camerathat executes photographing location measurement based upon a signalreceived from a GPS satellite. Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.2001-111884 discloses an electronic camera that transfers an image fileobtained through photographing operation to a wirelessly connectedexternal device in compliance with a specific communication protocol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is an issue yet to be addressed in that if photographing positioninformation is recorded in the image file together with the photographicimage, the recipient of the transmitted image file will be able toidentify the photographing position at which the image was photographed.

An electronic device according to the present invention comprises: acommunication unit that is engaged in communication with an externaldevice; a control unit that adds image information into transmissiondata to be transmitted to the communication unit; and a decision-makingunit that makes a decision in correspondence to information indicating arecipient of the transmission data as to whether or not to allowphotographing location information included in the image information tobe included in the transmission data.

In the electronic device, if the information indicating the recipientmatches preregistered information, the decision-making unit candetermine that the photographing location information is to be includedin the transmission data.

Moreover, in the electronic device, if the information indicating therecipient matches preregistered information, the decision-making unitmay determine that the photographing location information is not to beincluded in the transmission data.

In the electronic device described above, it is preferable that theinformation indicating the recipient includes at least one of; an e-mailaddress, a district and a ZIP code.

An electronic device according to another aspect of the presentinvention comprises: a communication unit that is engaged incommunication with an external device; a control unit that adds imageinformation into transmission data to be transmitted to thecommunication unit; a positioning unit that detects positioninformation; and a decision-making unit that makes a decision incorrespondence to the position information detected via the positioningunit as to whether or not to allow photographing location information inthe image information to be included in the transmission data.

In this electronic device, if the detected position information matchesregistered position information having been registered in advance, thedecision-making unit can determine that the photographing locationinformation is to be included in the transmission data.

Moreover, in this electronic device described above, it is preferablethat if the detected position information matches registered positioninformation having been registered in advance, the decision-making unitdetermines that the photographing location information is not to beincluded in the transmission data.

In the electronic device according to another aspect described above, itis preferred that the registered position information includes at leastone of a district and a ZIP code.

An electronic device according to another aspect of the presentinvention comprises: a communication unit that is engaged incommunication with an external device; a control unit that adds imageinformation into transmission data to be transmitted from thecommunication unit; and a decision-making unit that makes a decision incorrespondence to image information to be added into the transmissiondata as to whether or not to allow photographing location informationincluded in the image information to be included in the transmissiondata.

In this electronic device, if the photographing location informationmatches registered photographing location information having beenregistered in advance, the decision-making unit can determine that thephotographing location information is to be included in the transmissiondata.

Moreover, if the photographing location information matches registeredphotographing location information having been registered in advance,the decision-making unit of the electronic device can also determinethat the photographing location information is not to be included in thetransmission data.

In the electronic device described above, it is preferable that theregistered photographing location information includes at least one of adistrict and a ZIP code.

In the electronic device including the decision-making unit that makes adecision in correspondence to image information to be added into thetransmission data as to whether or not to allow photographing locationinformation included in the image information to be included in thetransmission data, if photographing mode information in imageinformation to be added into the transmission data matches registeredphotographing mode information having been registered in advance, thedecision-making unit can determine that the photographing locationinformation is to be included in the transmission data. Furthermore, ifphotographing mode information in image information to be added into thetransmission data matches registered photographing mode informationhaving been registered in advance, the decision-making unit in theelectronic device can determine that the photographing locationinformation is not to be included in the transmission data. In thiselectronic device, it is preferable that the registered photographingmode information indicates one of a landscape mode and a portrait mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the essential structure assumed in theelectronic camera achieved in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the rear of the electronic camera;

FIG. 3 presents an example of an image that may be brought up on displayat the liquid crystal monitor;

FIG. 4 presents an example of an image that may be brought up on displayat the liquid crystal monitor;

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart of the reproduction mode processing executedby the main CPU;

FIG. 6 presents a flowchart of the photographing mode processingexecuted by the main CPU;

FIG. 7 presents an example of an image that may be brought up on display(in a full screen display) at the liquid crystal monitor;

FIG. 8 presents an example of an image that may be provided in a zoom-indisplay (in a full screen display);

FIG. 9 presents an example of an image that may be provided in a zoom-indisplay (in a thumbnail display);

FIG. 10 presents an example of a reduced map image display that may besuperimposed over a reproduced image;

FIG. 11 presents an example of a setting menu screen;

FIG. 12 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 13 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 14 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 15 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 16 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 17 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 18 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 19 presents an example of a map image with photographing locationmarks each assuming specific directionality displayed thereupon;

FIG. 20 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 21 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 22 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 23 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 24 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 25 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 26 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 27 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 28 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 29 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 30 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 31 presents an example of an operation screen;

FIG. 32 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 33 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 34 presents an example of a menu screen;

FIG. 35 presents an example of an operation screen; and

FIG. 36 presents an example of an operation screen.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is an explanation of the best mode for carrying out thepresent invention, given in reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the essential structure adopted in anelectronic camera 10 achieved in the first embodiment of the presentinvention. A timing generator (TG) 105 in FIG. 1 provides timing signalsto a driver 104, an AFE (analog front end) circuit 102, an A/Dconversion circuit 103 and an image processing circuit 106 in responseto an instruction output from a main CPU 108. The driver 104 provides adrive signal for an image sensor 101.

A photographic lens L forms a subject image on an imaging surface of theimage sensor 101. The image sensor 101, which may be constituted with aCCD image sensor or the like equipped with a plurality of photoelectricconversion elements each corresponding to a pixel, captures the subjectimage formed on the imaging surface and outputs photoelectric conversionsignals corresponding to the brightness of the subject image. R (red), G(green) and B (blue) color filters are disposed at the imaging surfaceof the image sensor 101 so as to assume positions each corresponding toa specific pixel position. The photoelectric conversion signals outputfrom the image sensor 101, which captures the subject image through thecolor filters, contain color information expressed in the RGBcolorimetric system.

The AFE circuit 102 executes analog processing (such as gain control) onthe photoelectric conversion signals output from the image sensor 101.The A/D conversion circuit 103 converts the imaging signals havingundergone analog processing to digital signals.

The main CPU 108 executes specific arithmetic operations by usingsignals input thereto from various blocks and outputs control signalsgenerated based upon the arithmetic operation results to the individualblocks. The image processing circuit 106, which may be constituted as anASIC, executes image processing on the digital image signals inputthereto from the A/D conversion circuit 103. The image processingexecuted by the image processing circuit includes, for instance, outlineemphasis processing, color temperature adjustment (white balanceadjustment) processing and format conversion processing executed toconvert the image signal format.

An image compression circuit 107 executes image compression processingon the image signals having undergone the processing at the imageprocessing circuit 106 so as to compress the image at a predeterminedcompression ratio in the JPEG format. A display image generation circuit110 creates display data to be used to display the captured image at aliquid crystal monitor 111. At the liquid crystal monitor 111, areproduced image expressed by display data input from the display imagegeneration circuit 110 is displayed. In addition to the image displaydata, the display image generation circuit 110 creates data used todisplay messages, menus and marks. Thus, information other than imagesis also displayed at the liquid crystal monitor 111.

A recording medium 10A is constituted with a memory card or the likethat can be detachably loaded into/unloaded from the electronic camera10. In response to an instruction issued by the main CPU 108, and imagefile containing photographic image data and the correspondingphotographing information is recorded into the recording medium 10A. Inaddition, map data are recorded into the recording medium 10A inresponse to an instruction from the main CPU 108. Image files and mapdata having been recorded in the recording medium 10A can beindividually read out in response to an instruction issued by the mainCPU 108.

A buffer memory 109 is used as a work memory where data are temporarilystored while the image processing is in progress as well as prior to andfollowing the image processing, an image file yet to be recorded intothe recording medium 10A is stored, an image file read out from therecording medium 10A is stored and a map image is generated by using mapdata.

An operation member 113, which includes a shutter release button, a menuswitch, a dial and a confirm (OK) switch at the electronic camera 10,outputs to the main CPU 108 an operation signal corresponding to adepression operation or a rotation operation of a specific switch. Alens drive device 117 executes focus adjustment via a photographic lensL by driving the focus lens constituting part of the photographic lens Lforward/backward along the optical axis in response to an instructionfrom the main CPU 18.

In response to an instruction provided by the main CPU 108, a wirelessinterface 116 exchanges data with an external device through, forinstance, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication or opticalfiber communication. An external interface 112 exchanges data with anexternal device (such as a personal computer or a cradle) via a cable(not shown) in response to an instruction provided by the main CPU 108.

A GPS device 114 receives a radio wave from a GPS satellite in responseto an instruction from the main CPU 108 and outputs a reception signalto the main CPU 108. The main CPU 108, in turn, executes a specificarithmetic operation based upon the reception signal provided by the GPSdevice 114 and detects position information (latitude, longitude andaltitude) indicating the position of the electronic camera 10.

An attitude sensor 115 detects the attitude of the electronic camera 10in response to an instruction provided by the main CPU 108 and outputs adetection signal to the main CPU 108. Based upon the attitude detectionsignal, the main CPU 108 is able to determine the orientation in whichthe electronic camera 10 is held, i.e., whether the electronic camera 10is held upright or sideways.

The electronic camera 10 described above assumes a structure thatenables it to execute specific types of image processing and compressionprocessing on the image signals obtained at the image sensor 101 througha photographing operation and generate an image file containing imagedata resulting from the compression processing and additionalinformation that includes the position information, mark typeinformation to be detailed later and information related to thephotographic image. More specifically, the electronic camera 10 createsan Exif image file by storing the JPEG image data in an image dataportion and storing the additional information in an additionalinformation portion of the image file. The image file thus generated issaved in the recording medium 10A.

Since the embodiment is characterized by the reproduction operationexecuted in the electronic camera 10 to display information at theliquid crystal monitor 111 by using the image file, the followingdescription focuses on displays that may be brought up at the liquidcrystal monitor 111.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the electronic camera 10 taken from the sidewhere the liquid crystal monitor 111 is disposed (camera rear side). Asshown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal monitor 111 is disposed at the rearside of the electronic camera 10 with a zoom switch 113 b, a menu switch113 c, other operation switches 113 d, 113 e, 113 g and a dial 113 fdisposed to one side of the liquid crystal monitor 111. The dial 113 f,assuming a ring shape, generates a rotation operation signal in responseto a rotation thereof and a pressure position signal in response to adepression thereof. An OK switch 113 g is disposed at the center of thedial 113 f. In addition, a shutter release button 113 a is disposed atthe top surface of the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 2 shows a map image displayed at the liquid crystal monitor 111. Itis to be noted that as a map information display setting is selected andthen the operation mode is switched to the reproduction mode, a mapimage such as that shown in FIG. 2 is brought up on display. Theelectronic camera 10 displays a map of the area corresponding to aspecific option selected in a menu screen from, for instance, thefollowing five options.

1) a map of the area around the current position of the electroniccamera 10 (the position calculated based upon the reception signalprovided from the GPS device 114)2) the area map having been up on display at the liquid crystal monitor111 most recently (previously)3) a map of the area around the position determined (calculated basedupon the reception signal from the GPS device 114) during the mostrecent (previous) photographing operation4) a map of a preselected area5) a map of the area indicated in an operation signal provided from theoperation member 113

The electronic camera 10 achieved in the embodiment is able to receivemap information needed to display the map image from an external devicevia the wireless interface 116 or the external interface 112. The mapdata received from the external device are recorded into the recordingmedium 10A.

The display image up at the liquid crystal monitor 111 in the examplepresented in FIG. 2 includes marks 21˜26, a pointer 31 and a framenumber indicator 32 superimposed over the map image. The marks 21˜26 areidentifiers, each indicating that the electronic camera 10 holds animage having been photographed at the position corresponding to theparticular mark. In more specific terms, position information is savedin correspondence to the positions at which the marks 21˜26 are to bedisplayed, and the electronic camera 10 displays a mark at the position(photographing position) on the map image, indicated by a specific setof position information, in correspondence to an image file recorded inthe recording medium 10A.

The mark to be displayed at each photographing position is selected froma plurality of mark types assuming different shapes or colors that mayinclude a regular circular mark, a restaurant mark 21 and a heart mark22. The electronic camera 10 reads out information indicating a specificmark type recorded in the recording medium 10 in relation to a givenphotographic image and displays the mark of the particular typeindicated in the information thus read out, over the map image ondisplay at the liquid crystal monitor 111.

The mark display is controlled so that its size is adjusted incorrespondence to the number of images having been photographed at theposition corresponding to the mark. The electronic camera 10 displays alarge mark when, for instance, a plurality of neighboring marks wouldoverlap or the number of images having been photographed at a singleposition is large.

The display range (i.e., the map scale) of the map image displayed atthe liquid crystal monitor 111 is adjusted based upon an operationsignal output from the zoom switch 113 b. The electronic camera 10executes display control so as to raise the scale (for an enlargeddisplay) as the zoom switch 113 b is operated toward the telephoto side(T) and lower the scale (for a reduced display) as the zoom switch 113 bis operated toward the wide-angle side (W).

If neighboring marks can be shown as individual marks in a map imagewith a greater scale (in an enlarged map image), the electronic camera10 displays a plurality of smaller marks separate from one another inthe enlarged display, in place of the single large mark having been ondisplay previously.

The display of the pointer 31 is controlled so as to allow it to movefreely within the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 111. Incorrespondence to a pressure position signal output from the dial 113 f,the electronic camera 10 displaces the pointer 31 in a smooth movementin the direction indicated by the pressure position. For instance, ifthe dial 113 f is pressed on its right side, the pointer 31 is caused tomove further to the right relative to the current display position. Ifthe right side of the dial 113 f is pressed and held, the pointer keepsmoving to the right. If the right side of the dial 113 f is still beingheld down when the pointer 31 reaches the right side of the displayscreen, the electronic camera scrolls the map image on display towardthe left (to the right in FIG. 2). As a result, the portion of the mapimage over the right side area, which was not previously on display, isscrolled into the display area at the liquid crystal monitor 111.

The electronic camera 10 executes similar display control when the dial113 f is pressed on its upper side, its left side or its lower side. Itis to be noted that if the dial 113 f is pressed on a diagonal, theelectronic camera 10 executes display control so as to scroll the mapimage along the corresponding direction.

The electronic camera 10 also displaces the pointer 31 in response to arotation of the dial 113 f. In response to a rotation of the dial, thepointer 31 is caused to move directly to (straight to) a mark on displayat the liquid crystal monitor 111. For instance, if the dial 113 f isrotated to the right, the electronic camera 10 moves the pointer 31directly to the closest mark from the current display position. If thedial 113 f is continuously rotated to the right, the electronic camera10 moves the pointer 31 directly to the closest mark to the right fromthe current display position. If the dial 113 f is rotated to the left,the electronic camera 10 moves the pointer 31 to the closest mark to theleft from the current display position. It is to be noted that controlmay be executed so as to move the pointer 31 from the current displayposition to another mark in the order in which images corresponding toindividual marks indicating various photographing locations werephotographed based upon a menu setting operation. In such a case, theelectronic camera 10 should move the pointer 31 onto a mark indicatingthe photographing location at which a later image was photographed inresponse to a rotation of the dial 113 f to the right, and move thepointer 31 onto a mark indicating the photographing location at which anearlier image was photographed in response to a rotation of the dial 113f to the left.

If the pointer 31 is placed over a given mark continuously over apredetermined length of time (e.g., 0.5 sec), the electronic camera 10reads out from the recording medium 10A the thumbnail image of an imagehaving been photographed at the position corresponding to the mark anddisplays the thumbnail image at the liquid crystal monitor 111. FIG. 3presents an example of a display image that may be brought up at theliquid crystal monitor 111 under such circumstances. FIG. 3 shows thepointer 31 placed over the mark 23 and the thumbnail image and thephotographing date superimposed over the map image at a position atwhich the thumbnail image and the photographing date do not hide themark 23 and the pointer 31.

If the OK switch 113 g is pressed while the thumbnail image 41 is ondisplay, the electronic camera 10 brings up on display a full-sizedisplay by increasing the display size of the thumbnail image 41 so asto display the image over the entire display range of the liquid crystalmonitor 111 (full screen display). If the zoom switch 113 b is pressedwhile the full screen display is up, the electronic camera 10 reverts tothe thumbnail image display (see FIG. 3) having been up prior to thefull screen display.

If the pointer 31 is placed over a large mark (indicating a large numberof images having been photographed at the corresponding position)continuously over a predetermined length of time, the electronic camera10 individually reads out from the recording medium 10A the plurality ofthumbnail images of the images having been photographed at the positioncorresponding to the mark and displays the thumbnail images at theliquid crystal monitor 111. FIG. 4 presents an example of a displayimage that may be brought up at the liquid crystal monitor 111 undersuch circumstances. FIG. 4 shows the pointer 31 placed over the mark 26and a plurality of thumbnail images 42˜44 and the correspondingphotographing dates, superimposed over the map image at a position atwhich the thumbnail images and the photographing dates do not hide themark 26 and the pointer 31.

If the OK switch 113 g is pressed while the plurality of thumbnailimages 42˜44 are on display, the electronic camera 10 selects a specificthumbnail image, e.g., the thumbnail image 42, and displays it in a modedifferent from the mode assumed for the display of the other thumbnailimages. In the different display mode, the photographing date displayarea corresponding to the selected image may assume a color differentfrom that of the photographing date display areas corresponding to theother images or the selected thumbnail image may be displayed in colorwhile displaying the other thumbnail images in grayscale.

In response to the pressure position signal provided from the dial 113f, the electronic camera 10 smoothly shifts the position indicating theselected thumbnail image among the plurality of thumbnail images alongthe up/down direction. For instance, if the dial 113 f is pressed on itslower side, the electronic camera 10 moves the selection positiondownward. If the lower side of the dial 113 f is held down, theelectronic camera 10 moves the selection position further downward. Ifthe lower side of the dial 113 f is still being held down when theselection position reaches the lower end side (the thumbnail image 44 inFIG. 4) of the display screen, the electronic camera 10 scrolls thethumbnail image display upward. As a result, a thumbnail image that hasnot been on display previously among the thumbnail images of the imageshaving been photographed at the particular position is scrolled into thedisplay area at the liquid crystal monitor 111 and this new thumbnailimage is selected.

If the OK switch 113 g is pressed while a specific thumbnail image isselected, the electronic camera 10 brings up on display a full-sizedisplay by increasing the display size of the thumbnail image so as todisplay the image over the entire display range of the liquid crystalmonitor 111 (full screen display). If the zoom switch 113 b is pressedwhile the full screen display is up, the electronic camera 10 reverts tothe thumbnail image display having been up prior to the full screendisplay. In this situation, the selection position remains effective.

If the zoom switch 113 b is operated again, the electronic camera 10determines that none of the listed thumbnail images has been selectedand reverts to the thumbnail image display in FIG. 4. As a result, thepressure position signal output from the dial 113 f is detected as adisplacement instruction for the pointer 31 again.

(Reproduction Mode Processing)

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart of the reproduction mode processing executedby the main CPU 108 in the electronic camera 10. The program based uponwhich the processing in FIG. 5 is executed is stored in an internalmemory (not shown) of the main CPU 108 and is started up as theelectronic camera 10 receives an instruction for shifting into thereproduction mode. The instruction for switching to the reproductionmode may be issued via, for instance, the mode selector switch 113 econstituting part of the operation member 113.

In step S11 in FIG. 5, a decision is made as to whether or not todisplay map information. If a map information display instruction hasbeen issued in a menu setting screen, an affirmative decision is made instep S11 and the operation proceeds to step S12, whereas if a mapinformation display instruction has not been issued by selecting thecorresponding menu setting, a negative decision is made in step S11 andthe operation proceeds to step S22.

In step S12, a decision is made as to whether or not the required mapdata are present in the electronic camera. If the map data for thedisplay target area are stored in the recording medium 10A, anaffirmative decision is made in step S12 and the operation proceeds tostep S14. In step S14, the map information needed to display the mapimage is read out from the recording medium 10A. If the map data for thedisplay target area are not stored in the recording medium 10A, anegative decision is made in step S12 and the operation proceeds to stepS13. It is to be noted that the map display target area will having beenspecified via a menu screen.

In step S13, an instruction is output to the wireless interface 116 orthe external interface 112 to receive the map information needed todisplay the map image, originating from the external device, at theinterface and then the operation proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, an instruction is transmitted to the display imagegeneration circuit 110 and a map image over a specific range is broughtup on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 based upon the mapinformation before the operation proceeds to step S15. In step S15, adecision is made as to whether or not any image file containing an imagehaving been photographed at the photographing position corresponding toa specific position within the display map range at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 is recorded in the recording medium 10A. If an image havingbeen photographed within the display map range is present in theelectronic camera 10, an affirmative decision is made in step S15 andthe operation proceeds to step S16. However, if the electronic camera 10does not hold any image having been photographed within the display maprange, a negative decision is made in step S15 and the operationproceeds to step S20.

In step S16, the additional information contained in the image file ofthe image having been photographed within the display map range is readout from the recording medium 10A, and then the operation proceeds tostep S17. In step S17, a mark is brought up on display at thecorresponding position in the map image, as shown in FIG. 2, before theoperation proceeds to step S18. The main CPU 108 also displays thepointer and the frame number indicator.

If the pointer is placed over a mark, a thumbnail image corresponding tothe particular mark is read out from the recording medium 10A and thethumbnail image thus read out is brought up on display over the mapimage (see FIG. 3) in step S18. The operation then proceeds to step S19.

If the “OK” switch 113 g is pressed while the thumbnail image display isup, the display size of the thumbnail image is increased and theenlarged image is displayed over the entire screen (see FIG. 7) at theliquid crystal monitor 111 in step S19, and then the operation proceedsto step S20.

In step S20, a decision is made as to whether or not a timeout hasoccurred. An affirmative decision is made in step S20 if no operationsignal from the operation member 113 is input over a predeterminedlength of time and, in this case, the processing in FIG. 5 ends. If anoperation signal from the operation member is input or if the conditionin which no operation signal is input is not sustained over thepredetermined length of time, a negative decision is made in step S20and the operation proceeds to step S21.

In step S21, a decision is made as to whether or not a mode switchoperation has been performed to switch from the reproduction mode to aphotographing mode. If an operation signal indicating a mode switch hasbeen input from the mode selector switch 113 e, an affirmative decisionis made in step S21 and the processing shown in FIG. 5 ends. However, ifno operation signal indicating a mode switch is input from the modeselector switch 113 e, a negative decision is made in step S21 and theoperation returns to step S11.

If a negative decision is made in step S11, the operation proceeds tostep S22 to execute the regular reproduction/display processing, whichdoes not include display of the map image. Then the operation proceedsto step S20. In the regular reproduced image display, the image in theframe indicated in the pressure position signal originating from thedial 113 f is displayed over the entire display range of the liquidcrystal monitor 111 (full screen display). For instance, a rightwardoperation signal from the dial 113 f may indicate a forward frame seek,whereas a leftward operation signal from the dial 113 f may indicate abackward frame seek. In addition, the electronic camera assumes astructure that enables it to switch between the full screen displayproviding the display of a single frame image and a multiple framedisplay that provides a side-by-side display of thumbnail imagescorresponding to a plurality of frames (e.g., four frames).

In step S23, to which the operation proceeds upon making a negativedecision in step S15, an instruction is output to the display imagegeneration circuit 110 to display the following message overlaid on themap image. Namely, the main CPU 108 may display a message “no imagephotographed in this map range” at the liquid crystal monitor 111,before the operation proceeds to step S20.

(Photographing Mode Processing)

The photographing mode processing is now described in detail inreference to the flowchart presented in FIG. 6. The program based uponwhich the processing in FIG. 6 is executed is stored in an internalmemory (not shown) of the main CPU 108 and is started up as theelectronic camera 10 receives an instruction for shifting into thephotographing mode. The instruction for switching to the photographingmode is issued via, for instance, the mode selector switch 113 e.

In step S51 in FIG. 6, power supply to the block (the image sensor 101,the driver 104 and the like) constituting the imaging unit starts, andthen the operation proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the initialsettings are selected and the current position of the electronic camerais determined before the operation proceeds to step S53. The defaultphotographing mode, the default display, the default image processingand the like are set as the initial settings. The main CPU 108 obtainsthe position information via the reception signal provided by the GPSdevice 114 and ascertains the current position of the electronic camera.

In step S53, a decision is made as to whether or not the shutter releasebutton 113 a has been pressed halfway down. If a halfway press operationsignal has been input, an affirmative decision is made in step S53 toproceed to step S54, whereas if no halfway press operation signal hasbeen input, a negative decision is made in step S53 and the operationproceeds to step S66.

In step S54, an instruction is provided to a focus detection device (notshown) and the lens drive device 117 to engage them in detection of thefocusing condition achieved via the lens L and focus adjustment and thenthe operation proceeds to step S55. In step S55, an imaging operation isstarted at the image sensor 101 (electrical charge storage is started).Once a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the main CPU 108 endsthe imaging operation and executes control so as to wipe the storedelectrical charges from the image sensor 101.

In step S56, exposure calculation is executed by using the image signalsfrom the image sensor 101 and then the operation proceeds to step S57.In step S57, a decision is made as to whether or not the shutter releasebutton 113 a has been pressed all the way down. An affirmative decisionis made in step S57 if a full press operation signal has been input and,in this case, the operation proceeds to step S58. However, if no fullpress operation signal has been input, a negative decision is made instep S57 and the operation proceeds to step S66.

In step S58, the image sensor 101 is initialized (all superfluouscharges are wiped) before the operation proceeds to step S59. In stepS59, a main imaging operation is started at the image sensor 101(electrical charge storage is started). The main CPU 108 executes drivecontrol for the shutter (not shown) and aperture (not shown) based uponthe control exposure value determined in step S56 and once the controlshutter time has elapsed, it ends the imaging operation and wipes thestored electrical charges from the image sensor 101.

In step S60, an instruction is output to the image processing circuit106 to engage the image processing circuit in a specific type of imageprocessing on the image signals from the image sensor 101, and then theoperation proceeds to step S61. In step S61, an instruction is output tothe display image generation circuit 110 to engage the display imagegeneration circuit in the creation of display data based upon thedigital image signals resulting from the image processing. The operationthen proceeds to step S62. Consequently, a reproduced photographic imageis brought up on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111.

In step S62, an instruction is output to the display image generationcircuit 110 to display the following message overlaid on the reproducedphotographic image currently on display. Namely, the main CPU 108displays a message such as “edit mark?” at the liquid crystal monitor111 over a predetermined length of time and then the operation proceedsto step S63.

An affirmative decision is made in step S63 if a mark edit instructionhas been issued and, in this case, the operation proceeds to step S64.However, if no mark edit instruction has been issued, a negativedecision is made in step S63 and the operation proceeds to step S65. Themain CPU 108 may judge that a mark edit instruction is issued if the“OK” switch 113 g is pressed while the message is up on display andjudge that no mark edit instruction is issued if the “OK” switch 113 gis not pressed while the message is up on display.

In step S64, mark selection processing is executed. In more specificterms, the main CPU 108 transmits an instruction for the display imagegeneration circuit 110 to bring up a display of a mark list of aplurality of pre-registered marks superimposed over the photographicimage. The main CPU 108 smoothly shifts the selection position in themark list along the up/down direction in response to a pressure positionsignal provided from the dial 113 f. For instance, if the dial 113 f ispressed on its lower side, the main CPU 108 shifts the selectionposition downward whereas if the dial 113 f is pressed on its upperside, the main CPU shifts the selection position upward. As the “OK”switch 113 g is pressed, the selection of the currently specified markis confirmed before the operation proceeds to step S65. The mark listdisplay ends if the operation is to proceed to step S65.

In step S65, the image file in the buffer memory 109 is recorded intothe recording medium 10A and then the operation proceeds to step S66.The image file contains the additional information, including theposition information and the mark information, together with the imagedata. It is to be noted that if a negative decision is made in step S63,the standard circular mark is automatically selected by the main CPU108.

In step S66, a decision is made as to whether or not a timeout hasoccurred. An affirmative decision is made in step S66 if no halfwaypress operation signal is input over a predetermined length of time and,in this case, the power supply to the block constituting the imagingunit is turned off before the processing in FIG. 6 ends. However, anegative decision is made in step S66 if a halfway press operationsignal is input or if the conditions in which no halfway press operatingsignal is input is not sustained over the predetermined length of timeand the operation proceeds to step S67.

In step S67, a decision is made as to whether or not a mode switchoperation has been performed. If an operation signal indicating a modeswitch has been input from the mode selector switch 113 e, anaffirmative decision is made in step S67 and the processing in FIG. 6ends. If, on the other hand, no operation signal indicating a modeswitch has been input from the mode selector switch 113 e, a negativedecision is made in step S67 and the operation returns to step S53.

The following advantages are achieved through the embodiment describedabove.

(1) If a plurality of image files containing images having beenphotographed at a plurality of locations displayed in a single screendisplay at the liquid crystal monitor 111 are recorded in the recordingmedium 10A loaded in the electronic camera 10, marks 21˜26, forinstance, are displayed, each in correspondence to one of thephotographing positions. As a result, the user is able to ascertain thephotographing positions at which the plurality of images werephotographed in the map on display without having to switch the mapdisplay.

(2) The electronic camera 10 further displays the frame number indicator32 over the map image on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111. As aresult, the user is able to verify the number of photographic imageshaving been photographed within the map range on display without havingto count the number of marks.

(3) The electronic camera 10 also displays a movable pointer 31 over themap image on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111. Then, as thepointer 31 is placed over one of the marks 21˜26, the electronic camera10 displays the thumbnail image of each image having been photographedat the photographing location corresponding to the particular positionon the map image indicated by the pointer 31. Thus, the user is able tocheck the photographic image with ease on the map image on display.

(4) If the OK switch 113 g is pressed while the thumbnail image is ondisplay, the electronic camera 10 displays the thumbnail image in thefull screen display at the liquid crystal monitor 111. As a result, theuser is easily able to scrutinize in detail the image related to thethumbnail.

(5) The electronic camera 10 displays a mark selected for eachphotographing position from a plurality of types of marks assumingdifferent shapes or colors, including the restaurant mark 21 and theheart mark 22 as well as the regular circular mark. Thus, the user isable to recognize the image having been photographed at a givenphotographing location based upon the type of mark displayed at theposition on the map corresponding to the photographing location.

(6) The electronic camera 10 adjusts the size of the mark incorrespondence to the number of images having been photographed at theposition corresponding to the mark. Consequently, the user is able toascertain the number of images having been photographed at a specificphotographing location based upon the size of the mark displayed on themap image.

(7) The electronic camera 10 allows the pointer 31 to directly move fromone mark to another among the marks 21˜26. Thus, the user is able tocheck the thumbnail images corresponding to the individual marks quicklyin the map image display.

(Variation 1)

A description is given above by assuming that a single large mark isdisplayed to represent a plurality of neighboring marks that wouldoverlap one another. However, if different types of marks overlap oneanother, a single type of mark may be displayed. In such a case,priority rankings among the individual marks will be determined inadvance and if two marks, for instance, cannot be displayed separately,the main CPU 108 will display the mark with higher priority.

(Variation 2)

An explanation is given above on an example in which if a plurality ofimage files containing images having been photographed at a plurality oflocations indicated in a given screen display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111, are recorded in the recording medium 10A loaded in theelectronic camera 10, marks 21˜26 are displayed in correspondence to allthe image files. Instead, only a mark that is designated in advance as adisplay-allowed mark may be selectively displayed. For instance, adisplay-allow setting may be switched on/off for each type of mark, suchas the restaurant mark, via a menu screen. Variation 2 allows only marksthat the user wishes to display to be brought up on display.

(Variation 3)

The display of a specific type of mark may be prohibited in advance soas to ensure that the particular type of mark is never displayed. Forinstance, a display-disallow setting may be switched on/off for eachtype of mark, such as the heart mark, via a menu screen. Variation 3allows only the mark the user does not wish to display to be suspendedfrom display.

(Variation 4)

The display allow setting in variation 2 or the display-disallow settingin variation 3 may be sustained only over a predetermined length oftime. For instance, display control may be executed so as to display amark in correspondence to which a one-month display allow setting isselected until the one-month time limit has passed and suspend the markfrom display once the one-month period has elapsed. Such a time limitmay be set in correspondence to each mark via a menu screen togetherwith the display allow setting or the display-disallow setting.

(Variation 5)

In addition to the different types of marks, “favorite” information maybe registered. In such a case, the mark information should contain aflag indicating whether or not the corresponding image has beenregistered as a favorite in addition to the information indicating themark selected through the mark selection processing. Image files can beindividually registered as favorites via a menu screen. At the settingfor displaying only the marks selected for the images having beenselected as favorites, the main CPU 108 selectively displays on the maponly the marks selected for the images having been registered asfavorites regardless of their mark types. Variation 5 makes it possibleto display only the marks selected in correspondence to the user'sfavorite images.

(Variation 6)

The circular mark automatically selected by the main CPU 108 upon makinga negative decision in step at 63 (see FIG. 6) may assume differentcolors or forms in correspondence to different dates. In this case,marks assuming different modes or formations will be displayed fordifferent photographing dates to provide the user with a clear displaywithout having to execute the mark selection processing. In addition,marks assuming different modes may be used in correspondence todifferent electronic cameras 10 used to capture images. For instance, amark preregistered in a setting menu may be used in correspondence toeach electronic camera.

(Variation 7)

While an explanation is given above on an example in which theswitchover between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode iseffected in response to an operation signal provided from the modeselector switch 113 e, the photographing mode may instead be selected inresponse to a halfway press operation of the shutter release button 113a performed in the reproduction mode. In such a case, the main CPU 108will exit the reproduction mode and enter the photographing mode inresponse to the halfway press operation signal input thereto as theshutter release button 113 a is pressed halfway down. More specifically,the operation will proceed to step S51 in FIG. 6 to execute thephotographing mode processing and once the photographing mode processinghas ended, the reproduction mode will be started up. It is desirablethat if the shutter release button 113 a is not pressed all the way downafter the operation shifts into the photographing mode, the operationautomatically revert to the reproduction mode upon judging that atimeout has occurred (upon making an affirmative decision in step S66).In addition, it is desirable that the operation automatically revert tothe reproduction mode upon recording the image (step S65) Ifphotographing processing is executed in response to a full pressoperation at the shutter release button 113 a after the operation shiftsinto the photographing mode. The structure adopted in variation 7 allowsthe electronic camera to ready itself for photographing operationquickly even while the map image is up on display.

(Variation 8)

The image frame on full screen display (see FIG. 7) in step S19 may bechanged forward or backward in response to a pressure position signalprovided from the dial 113 f so as to display a preceding image or asucceeding image. For instance, the rightward operation signal from thedial 113 f may indicate a forward image seek and the leftward operationsignal from the dial may indicate a reverse image seek. In addition, ifthe zoom switch 113 b is pressed while the full screen display is up,the main CPU 108 may bring up a map image display indicating thephotographing location at which the image currently displayed in thefull screen display was photographed.

In more specific terms, the main CPU 108 reads the additionalinformation in the image file containing the image up in the full screendisplay so as to obtain the position information indicating the positionat which the image was photographed and the mark information. The mainCPU 108 then outputs an instruction for the display image generationcircuit 110 to display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a map imageover a specific range that includes the position (photographingposition) indicated in the position information and also display themark indicating the photographing position. The structure achieved invariation 8 allows a specific image to be brought up in full screendisplay to be selected first and then the map image such as that shownin FIG. 2, containing the image photographing position, to be displayed.It is to be noted that the marks indicating other photographingpositions, the pointer and the frame number indicator are displayed asshown in FIG. 2.

(Variation 9)

When the pointer 31 is positioned over one of marks 21˜26 on the mapimage, the electronic camera 10 described above displays a thumbnail ofthe image having been photographed at the photographing locationcorresponding to the position indicated by the pointer 31 and then, asthe OK switch 113 g is pressed while the thumbnail is up on display, theelectronic camera brings up the image corresponding to the thumbnail asa full-screen display at the liquid crystal monitor 111. As analternative, the image corresponding to the thumbnail may be brought upin a full-screen display as soon as the pointer 31 is set over one ofthe marks 21˜26. In this case, the user is able to check the imagecorresponding to the thumbnail with ease.

(Variation 10)

The orientation of the map image displayed at the liquid crystal monitor111 may be adjusted based upon the detection information provided by theattitude sensor 115. In such a case, the main CPU 108 should adjust theorientation of the map image brought up on display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 in correspondence to the attitude (the horizontal orvertical orientation) of the electronic camera 10 by outputting aninstruction to the display image generation circuit 110. By adoptingvariation 9, the map image can be displayed with the optimal orientationto ensure that the user is able to view the map image with easeregardless of the orientation of the electronic camera 10.

(Variation 11)

While an explanation is given above on an example in which theelectronic device according to the present invention is embodied as theelectronic camera 10, the present invention may instead be adopted in aportable telephone equipped with a camera, a PDA unit equipped with acamera or an image viewing device (viewer) at which images photographedwith a camera or the like can be viewed.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention is now described. Thefollowing explanation focuses on the difference from the firstembodiment, with the same reference numerals assigned to componentsidentical to those in the first embodiment, to preclude the necessityfor a repeated explanation. In other words, unless a given component isparticularly noted, it is identical to the corresponding component inthe first embodiment. The second embodiment enables adjustment of thedisplay magnification factor at which the reproduced image is displayed.

FIG. 7 presents an example of an image that may be brought up on displayat the liquid crystal monitor 111 through the processing executed instep S19 (see FIG. 5). The main CPU 108 may switch the display contentsas described below. Namely, as the switch 113 d is operated while thefull-screen display of a reproduced image is up at the liquid crystalmonitor 111, the main CPU 108 switches from the full screen display inFIG. 7 back to the thumbnail display superimposed over the map image, asshown in FIG. 3.

If the zoom switch 113 b is operated while the full-screen display ofthe reproduced image is up at the liquid crystal monitor 111, the mainCPU 108 adjusts the display magnification factor (electronic zoommagnification factor) for the reproduced image in the full-screendisplay based upon the zoom operation signal. FIG. 8 presents an exampleof a zoom-in reproduced image (in the full-screen display) displayed asthe zoom switch 113 b is operated along the zoom-in direction (to the Tside). If the zoom switch 113 b is operated along the zoom-out direction(toward the W side) while the reproduced image in FIG. 8 is up ondisplay, the main CPU 108 zooms down the display magnification factor(electronic zoom magnification factor) for the reproduced image incorrespondence to the zoom operation signal.

If the zoom switch 113 b is operated while a thumbnail display of areproduced image is superimposed over the map image (a“picture-in-picture” display such as that shown in FIG. 3), the main CPU108 adjusts the display magnification factor (electronic zoommagnification factor) for the reproduced image in the thumbnail displaybased upon the zoom operation signal. FIG. 9 presents an example of azoom-in reproduced image (in the thumbnail display) displayed as thezoom switch 113 b is operated along the zoom-in direction (to the Tside). If the zoom switch 113 b is operated along the zoom-out direction(toward the W side) while the thumbnail image in FIG. 9 is up ondisplay, the main CPU 108 zooms down the display magnification factor(electronic zoom magnification factor) for the thumbnail image incorrespondence to the zoom operation signal.

If the switch 113 d is operated while the thumbnail display of thereproduced image is superimposed over the map image, the main CPU 108displays a reduced map image over the reproduced image (e.g., the“picture-in-picture” display in FIG. 10). In other words, the main CPU108 reverses the background/foreground relationship between thereproduced image and the map image. If the zoom switch 113 b is operatedwhile the picture-in-picture in FIG. 10 is up, the main CPU 108 adjuststhe scale of the map image in the reduced display in correspondence tothe zoom operation signal.

It is to be noted that the forward image seek or the reverse image seekfor the reproduced image display is executed in response to a pressureposition signal output from the dial 113 f as in variation 8. Namely,the rightward operation signal from the dial 113 f indicates the forwardimage seek whereas the leftward operation signal from the dial 113 findicates the reverse image seek. The forward image seek and the reverseimage seek are executed by targeting all the image files recorded in therecording medium 10A. However, an alternative structure that designates,based upon a menu setting operation, only image files attached with aspecific type of mark indicating their photographing locations or onlyimage files containing position information as targets of the forwardimage seek and the reverse image seek may be adopted.

The second embodiment described above enables adjustment of the displaymagnification factor (electronic zoom magnification factor) of thereproduced image either in the full-screen display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 (see FIG. 7) or in the thumbnail display superimposed overthe map image (see FIG. 3).

In addition, the display magnification factor (electronic zoommagnification factor) of a superimposed thumbnail image in apicture-in-picture display or the scale of a superimposed map image in apicture-in-picture display can be adjusted based upon the zoom operationsignal.

Furthermore, the display mode in which a thumbnail image is displayedover a map image can be switched to the display mode in which a reducedmap image is superimposed over a reproduced image and vice versa inresponse to an operation signal provided from the switch 113 b. Thus,whichever image the user wishes to see in detail can be displayed overthe greater range.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention is now described. Thefollowing explanation focuses on the difference from the first andsecond embodiments, with the same reference numerals assigned tocomponents identical to those in the first and second embodiments, topreclude the necessity for a repeated explanation. In other words,unless a given component is particularly noted, it is identical to thecorresponding component in the first and second embodiments. Inreference to the third embodiment, the concepts of variations 2, 3 and 4are described in further detail.

FIG. 11 presents an example of a setting menu screen that may be broughtup on display at the liquid crystal monitor 11 by the main CPU 108 inresponse to an operation of the menu switch 113 c. In response to arotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f, the main CPU 108switches the selected option and as the OK switch 113 g is operated, themain CPU displays at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screenrelated to the currently selected option.

(Photographing Location Mark)

Any photographing location mark selected in the photographing mode (seeFIG. 6) can be subsequently changed through a menu setting operation.FIG. 12 presents an example of a menu screen that may be brought up ondisplay to enable setting operations related to a mark used to indicatea photographing location. If the OK switch 113 g is operated while theoption “select photographing location mark” among the options listed inFIG. 12 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquidcrystal monitor 111 the menu screen shown in FIG. 13. In the embodiment,a photographing location mark assuming a specific shape or color can beselected in reference to an image having been photographed at theparticular photographing location or on a map in which the photographinglocation mark is to be displayed, or a common photographing locationmark can be selected for all the images.

FIG. 14 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen selecting photographing location mark types in correspondence toindividual images. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option“select by image” among the options listed in FIG. 13, is selected, theCPU 108 displays the operation screen in FIG. 14 at the liquid crystalmonitor 111.

FIG. 14 shows thumbnail images 41A˜41C of the images in the image filesrecorded in the recording medium 10A, displayed side-by-side at theliquid crystal monitor 111. The main CPU 108 displays differentthumbnail images and switches the selection target image among thethumbnail images on display in response to rotation operation signalsoutput from the dial 113 f. In the example presented in FIG. 14, thethumbnail image 41B displayed at the center of the screen in a largersize has been selected. The main CPU 108 scrolls thumbnail images to theleft/right in response to a rotation operation signal from the dial 113f. Namely, as the dial 113 f is rotated, a forward/backward image seekoperation is performed. When selecting the photographing location mark“by image”, the main CPU 108 designates the mark indicating thephotographing location of the selected image 41B as the target.

In addition to the thumbnail images, the main CPU 108 displays aphotographing location mark list 27 listing a plurality of photographinglocation marks assuming different shapes or colors. The main CPU 108selects a specific mark in the mark list 27 based upon anupward/downward operation signal input from the dial 113 f, and as theOK switch 113 g is subsequently operated, the main CPU designates thecurrently selected mark as a mark 272 used to indicate the photographinglocation of the selected image 41B. It is to be noted that the mark list27 includes an option “no mark”, which may be selected when the userwishes to display no photographing location mark. Information indicatingthe selected (altered) photographing location mark 272 is recorded inthe mark information stored in the image file containing the selectedimage 41B.

FIG. 15 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen selecting photographing location mark types on the map. As the OKswitch 113 g is operated after the option “select on map” among theoptions listed in FIG. 13 is selected, the CPU 108 displays theoperation screen in FIG. 15 at the liquid crystal monitor 111.

FIG. 15 shows a map image similar to the map image in FIG. 2, withphotographing location marks displayed over the map image. Thephotographing location marks are displayed to indicate the photographinglocations where images among the image files recorded in the recordingmedium 10A were photographed in the area corresponding to the map rangeon display. In addition to the map image, a photographing location marklist 27 listing a plurality of photographing location marks assumingdifferent shapes or colors is displayed.

The main CPU 108 displays a quadrangle 28 indicated by the pointer 31.For instance, the quadrangle 28 displayed by the main CPU may be arectangle one diagonal point of which is assumed at the position atwhich the pointer 31 is displayed when the switch 113 d is pressed andthe other diagonal point of which is assumed at the position at whichthe pointer 31 is displayed when the switch 113 d is released. Whenselecting photographing location marks “on map”, the main CPU 108selects a mark to be used to indicate a photographing location withinthe quadrangle 28.

The main CPU 108 selects a specific mark from the mark list 27 basedupon a rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f and as theOK switch 113 g is subsequently operated, it designates the currentlyselected mark as the mark to be used to indicate the photographinglocation within the quadrangle 28. As has been described in reference tothe option “select by image”, the mark list 27 includes the option “nomark” selected when the user wishes to display no photographing locationmark and the information indicating the selected (altered) photographinglocation mark is recorded as the mark information stored in thecorresponding image file.

FIG. 16 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen selecting a common photographing location mark for all the images.As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “select for allimages” among the options listed in FIG. 13 is selected, the CPU 108displays the operation screen in FIG. 16 at the liquid crystal monitor111.

FIG. 16 shows a photographing location mark list 27, listing a pluralityof photographing location marks assuming different shapes or colors ondisplay. The main CPU 108 switches to a specific mark in the mark list27 based upon a rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f. Asthe OK switch 113 g is subsequently operated, the main CPU 108designates the currently selected mark as the common mark for all theimage files. When selecting a common photographing location mark “forall images” the main CPU 108 designates the marks indicating thephotographing locations of all the image files recorded in the recordingmedium 10A in a batch as batch substitute targets.

As has been described earlier, the mark list 27 includes the option “nomark” selected when the user wishes to display no photographing locationmark and the information indicating the selected (altered) photographinglocation mark is recorded as the mark information stored in thecorresponding image files.

(Switching Photographing Location Mark Display)

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “switch display”among the options listed in FIG. 12 is selected, the main CPU 108 bringsup on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screen such asthat shown in FIG. 17. The main CPU 108 switches to a different optionin response to a rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f.Then, as the OK switch 113 g is operated, the main CPU 108 selects theinternal settings for the photographing location mark display incorrespondence to the currently selected option.

If the option “display as selected” is selected, the main CPU 108displays the photographing location marks having been set (altered)through the processing executed in the embodiment over the map imagebased upon the internal settings. If “no mark” has been selected for agiven photographing location, no photographing location mark isdisplayed. If the option “display all photographing location marks” isselected, the main CPU 108 displays the photographing location markshaving been set (altered) through the processing executed in theembodiment over the map image and also displays a default mark (e.g., aregular circular mark) at each photographing location for which the “nomark” option has been selected.

(Displaying Directional Photographing Location Marks)

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “displayphotographing direction” among the options listed in FIG. 12 isselected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 18. The main CPU108 switches to a different option in response to a rotation operationsignal output from the dial 113 f. Then, as the OK switch 113 g isoperated, the main CPU 108 selects a specific internal settingdetermining whether or not to indicate the photographing directionsbased upon the currently selected option.

If the photographing direction display is “on”, the main CPU 108displays marks, each assuming a shape indicating a specific direction,over the map image in place of the photographing location marks havingbeen set (altered) through the processing executed in the embodimentbased upon the internal setting. FIG. 19 presents an example of a mapimage with directional photographing location marks 33˜37 displayedtherein. For instance, the photographing location mark 33 indicates thatthe image was photographed with a camera turned toward the CG tower. Ifthe photographing direction display is “off”, the main CPU 108 displaysthe photographing location marks having been set (altered) through theprocessing executed in the embodiment over the map image.

It is desirable that when the photographing direction display is on, thephotographing location marks 33˜37 with directionality be displayed onlyif the scale of the map image is greater than a predetermined value. Inother words, it is not likely to be useful to indicate the photographingdirections in a map image in a wide area display, i.e., a small scale,in which a subject such as a building, i.e., an extremely small entityrelative to the map display range, will not show clearly.

(Setting Time Limit for Photographing Location Mark Setting)

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “time limit” amongthe options listed in FIG. 12 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up ondisplay at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screen such as thatshown in FIG. 20. The main CPU 108 switches to a different option inresponse to a rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f.Then, as the OK switch 113 g is operated, the main CPU 108 selects aspecific internal setting with respect to the time limit for thephotographing location mark settings based upon the currently selectedoption.

If “one day” is selected for the time limit, the main CPU 108 sets theduration over which the setting details related to the photographinglocation marks having been set (altered) through the processing executedin the embodiment are to be held (saved in a non-volatile memory (notshown)) to one day based upon the internal setting. The holding periodstarts at a point in time at which the OK switch 113 g is operated toset a time limit or a point in time at which an operation is executed tochange a photographing location mark. Once the holding period haselapsed, the main CPU 108 erases the setting details selected for thephotographing location marks and the photographing location marks areeach invariably switched to the default mark (e.g., a standard circularmark).

If “one week” or “one month” is selected for the time limit, the mainCPU 108 sets the duration over which the setting details having beenselected (altered) through the processing executed in the embodiment areheld (saved in the non-volatile memory (not shown)) to one week or onemonth. As described above, the holding period starts at the point intime at which the operation is performed to set the time limit or apoint in time at which an operation is performed to change aphotographing location mark.

If “no limit” is selected for the time limit, the main CPU 108 holds(saves in the non-volatile memory (not shown)) the setting detailsrelated to the photographing location marks having been selected(altered) through the processing executed in the embodimentindefinitely.

(Canceling Photographing Mark Settings)

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “cancel” among theoptions listed in FIG. 12 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up ondisplay at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screen such as thatshown in FIG. 21. The main CPU 108 switches to a different option inresponse to a rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f.Then, as the OK switch 113 g is operated, the main CPU 108 selects aspecific internal setting determining whether or not to cancel settingdetails related to the photographing marks based upon the currentlyselected option.

If the option “yes” is selected, the main CPU 108 erases the settingdetails related to the photographing location marks having been set(altered) through the processing executed in the embodiment based uponthe internal setting and invariably switches the photographing marks tothe default mark (e.g., a regular circular mark). If the option “no” isselected, the main CPU 108 continues to hold the details of the settingsrelated to the photographing location marks having been selected(altered) through the processing executed in the embodiment.

(Grouping)

The electronic camera 10 sorts images corresponding to specificphotographing location marks displayed on the map image into groups. Aplurality of images grouped together is designated as print targetimages, slideshow images or the like. FIG. 22 presents an example of amenu screen that may be displayed when selecting a specific setting forgroup of images. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option“group” among the options listed in FIG. 11 is selected, the main CPU108 brings up on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 the menuscreen shown in FIG. 22. Target images can be grouped together for eachof the options in FIG. 22, i.e., “print”, “send”, “slideshow” and“protect”. If “print” is selected, images to be printed out at anexternal printer are grouped together. As “send” is selected, imagescontained in image data files to be transmitted to an external deviceare grouped together. In addition, as “slideshow” is selected, images tobe reproduced and displayed in sequence at the liquid crystal monitor111 are grouped together. As “protect” is selected, images to beprotected to ensure that the corresponding image data files are noterased from the recording medium 10A are grouped together.

(Print)

FIG. 23 presents an example of an operation screen that may be broughtup on display after the option “print” is selected. As the OK switch 113g is operated after the option “select on map” among the options listedin FIG. 23 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at theliquid crystal monitor 111 an operation screen such as that shown inFIG. 24. FIG. 24 shows an operation screen that may be displayed whenselecting images to be grouped together on the map.

FIG. 24 shows an operation screen similar to that in FIG. 15, withphotographing location marks displayed over a map image. Photographinglocation marks on display indicate the photographing locations whereimages among the image files recorded in the recording medium 10A werephotographed within the area corresponding to the map range on display.The operation screen differs from that shown in FIG. 15 in that nophotographing location mark list 27 is displayed. When selectinggrouping target images “on map”, the main CPU 108 designates all theimages having been photographed at the photographing locations presentwithin the current quadrangle 28 in a batch in response to an operationof the OK switch 113 g.

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “select by image”among the options listed in FIG. 23 is selected, the main CPU 108 bringsup on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 an operation screen suchas that shown in FIG. 25. In the operation screen shown in FIG. 25,which is similar to the operation screen shown in FIG. 14, thumbnailimages 41A˜41C of the images in image files recorded in the recordingmedium 10A are displayed side by side. However, the operation screendiffers from that shown in FIG. 14 in that no photographing locationmark list 27 is displayed.

When selecting grouping target images on an image-by-image basis, themain CPU 108 scrolls thumbnail images to the left/right in response toan rotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f, as has beendescribed in reference to FIG. 14. In addition, the main CPU 108determines whether or not to display a print mark 273 in correspondenceto the selected image (the thumbnail image 41B at the center in theexample presented in FIG. 25) in response to an upward or downwardoperation signal input from the dial 113 f. The print mark 273 displayedfor the thumbnail 41B indicates that the image file corresponding to thethumbnail image 41B has been designated as a print target.

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “select target mark”among the options listed in FIG. 23 is selected, the main CPU 108 bringsup on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 the operation screenshown in FIG. 26. FIG. 26 shows a mark list 29 listing a plurality ofmarks assuming different shapes or colors on display. The main CPU 108selects a specific mark in the mark list 29 in response to a rotationoperation signal output from the dial 113 f. In addition, the main CPU108 selects either “print” or “do not print” in correspondence to theselected mark based upon an upward or downward operation signal inputfrom the dial 113 f.

As the OK switch 113 g is subsequently operated, the main CPU 108designates all the marks in correspondence to which “print” has beenselected as print target marks. In this case, the main CPU 108designates in a batch the image files assigned with the photographinglocation marks matching the print target marks as print targets.

It is to be noted that the option “print all” is selected when selectingall the image files as print targets in a batch. As “print” is selectedafter the option “print all” in the mark list 29 is selected, the mainCPU 108 designates all the image files as print targets in a batchregardless of the specific setting details of the individualphotographing location marks. If “do not print” is selected after theoption “print all” is selected in the mark list 29, no image file isdesignated as a print target regardless of the specific details of thesettings corresponding to the individual photographing location marks.

As a print instruction is issued after specific print targets are set asdescribed above, the main CPU 108 sequentially reads out the image filesdesignated as the print targets from the recording medium 10A andtransmits the data thus read out to the external printer (not shown).

When “slideshow” or “protect” is selected in the operation screen shownin FIG. 22, too, image files to be used for a slideshow or image filesto be designated as protect targets can be set via operation screens andoperation menus similar to those described in reference to the option“print”.

(Send)

FIG. 27 presents an example of an operation menu that may be brought upon display when selecting settings related to a send operation. As theOK switch 113 g is operated after the option “send” among the optionslisted in FIG. 22 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display atthe liquid crystal monitor 111 the menu screen in FIG. 27. In addition,the main CPU 108 switches to a different option in response to arotation operation signal output from the dial 113 f. As the OK switch113 g is subsequently operated, the main CPU 108 displays a menu screencorresponding to the currently selected option at the liquid crystalmonitor 111.

(Applying Restrictions in Correspondence to Recipient)

The electronic camera 10 is capable of applying specific restrictionswith respect to the transmission contents when it transmits image filesto external devices. FIG. 28 presents an example of a menu screen inwhich a specific setting may be selected in order to apply restrictionsin correspondence to individual recipients. As the OK switch 113 g isoperated after the option “restrict by recipient” among the optionslisted in FIG. 27 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display atthe liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screen such as that shown in FIG.28. A data list related to recipients (e.g., indicating the e-mailaddress, the street address and postal code of each recipient) is storedin advance in the non-volatile memory (not shown) in the electroniccamera 10. If the setting details to be described later match a specificset of image file recipient information in the data list, the main CPU108 applies restrictions with regard to the transmission contents incorrespondence to the particular recipient.

FIG. 29 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen setting an e-mail address. As the OK switch 113 g is operated afterthe option “by e-mail address” among the options listed in FIG. 28 isselected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 the operation screen shown in FIG. 29.

The main CPU 108 selects a specific character or the like in response toa rotation operation signal provided from the dial 113 f and moves thecursor position (indicated by the quadrangle in FIG. 29) to the right orthe left in response to a rightward operation signal or a leftwardoperation signal input from the dial 113 f. As the OK switch 113 g issubsequently operated, the main CPU 108 registers the e-mail addresshaving been entered into the non-volatile memory (not shown) asrecipient information based upon which the transmission contents are tobe restricted.

FIG. 30 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen setting a postal code. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after theoption “by postal code” among the options listed in FIG. 28 is selected,the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111the operation screen shown in FIG. 30.

The main CPU 108 selects a specific numeral in response to a rotationoperation signal provided from the dial 113 f and moves the cursorposition (indicated by the quadrangle in FIG. 30 to the right or theleft in response to a rightward operation signal or a leftward operationsignal input from the dial 113 f. As the OK switch 113 g is subsequentlyoperated, the main CPU 108 registers the postal code having been enteredinto the non-volatile memory (not shown) as recipient information basedupon which the transmission contents are to be restricted.

FIG. 31 presents an example of an operation screen that may be displayedwhen setting a specific district. As the OK switch 113 g is operatedafter the option “by district” among the options listed in FIG. 28 isselected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquid crystalmonitor 111 the operation screen shown in FIG. 31.

The main CPU 108 displays a specific district in response to an upwardoperation signal or a downward operation signal input from the dial 113f. As the OK switch 113 g is subsequently operated, the main CPU 108registers the district currently on display into the non-volatile memory(not shown) as recipient information based upon which the transmissioncontents are to be restricted.

FIG. 32 presents an example of a menu screen in which a specificrestriction detail setting may be selected. As the OK switch 113 g isoperated after the option “restriction details” among the options listedin FIG. 27 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at theliquid crystal monitor 111 the menu screen shown in FIG. 32.

The main CPU 108 switches to a different option in response to arotation operation signal provided from the dial 113 f. Then, as the OKswitch 113 g is operated, the CPU 108 selects an internal settingindicating specific restriction details in correspondence to thecurrently selected option. If “include photographing locationinformation” is selected, the main CPU 108 allows transmission of imagefiles containing the additional information (including the positioninformation and the mark information) described earlier based upon theinternal setting. If the option “do not include photographing locationinformation” is selected, the main CPU does not allow transmission ofthe image files containing the additional information (including theposition information and the mark information) described earlier. In thelatter case, transmission contents are restricted by transmitting theimage files after first deleting at least the position information inthe additional information.

(Applying Restrictions by Sender Location)

The electronic camera 10 is also capable of applying restrictions on thetransmission contents in correspondence to the sender location whentransmitting image files to an external device. FIG. 33 presents anexample of a menu screen in which a specific setting may be selected inorder to apply restrictions in correspondence to the sender location. Asthe OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “restrict by senderlocation” among the options listed in FIG. 27 is selected, the main CPU108 brings up on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 a menu screensuch as that shown in FIG. 33.

The main CPU 108 restricts the transmission contents if the settingdetails to be detailed later match the current position information. Thecurrent position information indicates the current position of theelectronic camera 10. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after theoption “by postal code” among the options listed in FIG. 33 is selected,the main CPU 108 displays an operation screen similar to that shown inFIG. 30 at the liquid crystal monitor 111. The postal code can beentered through the procedure described in reference to FIG. 30.

The main CPU 108 registers the postal code currently on display into thenon-volatile memory (not shown) as sender location information basedupon which the transmission contents are to be restricted. If thecurrent position of the electronic camera 10 is within an areacorresponding to the postal code registered in the non-volatile memory(not shown), the main CPU 108 determines whether or not to “includephotographing location information” based upon the setting selected withregard to the “restriction details” explained earlier (see FIG. 32).

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “by district” amongthe options listed in FIG. 33 is selected, the main CPU 108 displays anoperation screen similar to that shown in FIG. 31 at the liquid crystalmonitor 111. The district can be entered through the procedure describedin reference to FIG. 31.

The main CPU 108 registers the district currently on display in thenon-volatile memory (not shown) as sender location information basedupon which the transmission contents are to be restricted. If thecurrent position of the electronic camera 10 is within the areacorresponding to the district registered in the non-volatile memory (notshown), the main CPU 108 determines whether or not to “includephotographing location information” based upon the setting selected withregard to the “restriction details” explained earlier (see FIG. 32).

(Applying Restrictions by Transmission Contents)

The electronic camera 10 is also capable of applying restrictions on thetransmission contents in correspondence to the contents of transmissiontarget image files when transmitting image files to an external device.FIG. 34 presents an example of a menu screen in which a specific settingmay be selected in order to apply restrictions in correspondence to thetransmission contents. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after theoption “restrict by transmission contents” among the options listed inFIG. 27 is selected, the main CPU 108 brings up on display at the liquidcrystal monitor 111 a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 34.

The main CPU 108 restricts the transmission contents for a giventransmission target image file if the setting details to be detailedlater match the position information or the photographing modeinformation indicating the photographing mode assumed for thephotographing operation, contained in the transmission target imagefile. As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “byphotographing location information” among the options listed in FIG. 34is selected, the main CPU 108 displays an operation screen such as thatshown in FIG. 35 at the liquid crystal monitor 111. A specific districtcan be entered and registered into the non-volatile memory (not shown)through a procedure similar to that described in reference to FIG. 31.

If the position information in the transmission target image filematches the district registered in the non-volatile memory (not shown),the main CPU 108 determines whether or not to “include photographinglocation information” in the transmission contents, based upon thesetting selected as the “restriction details”, as described earlier (seeFIG. 32).

As the OK switch 113 g is operated after the option “by photographingmode” among the options listed in FIG. 34 is selected, the main CPU 108brings up on display at the liquid crystal monitor 111 an operationscreen such as that shown in FIG. 36. The main CPU 108 selects either“portrait mode” or “landscape mode” in response to a rotation operationsignal provided from the dial 113 f. In addition, the main CPU 108selects either “restrict” or “do not restrict” for the selectedphotographing mode in response to an upward operation signal or adownward operation signal input thereto from the dial 113 f.

As the OK switch 113 g is operated, the main CPU 108 designates imagefiles containing images having been photographed in the photographingmode in correspondence to which the option “restrict” has been selected,as restriction target image files. At the same time, image filescontaining images having been photographed in a photographing mode forwhich “do not restrict” has been selected, are exempted from therestrictions. The main CPU 108 checks the photographing mode set whenthe image in each transmission target image file was photographed anddetermines based upon the “restrict”/“do not restrict” option selectedin correspondence to the photographing mode as to whether to transmitthe image file containing the position information or transmit the imagefile without the position information.

The following advantages are achieved through the embodiment describedabove.

(1) Any photographing location mark selected and set (in step S64) orautomatically selected after making a negative decision in step S63(FIG. 6) in the photographing mode (see FIG. 6) can be altered laterthrough a menu operation. This allows the user to concentrate on hisphotography without having to worry about selecting photographinglocation mark at the time of the photographing operation.

(2) A photographing location mark setting can be adjusted to select adifferent type of mark in correspondence to each image (see FIG. 14) andthus, the user is able to select the optimal photographing location markby checking the photographic image.

(3) A photographing location mark setting can be adjusted by selecting adifferent type of mark on the map (see FIG. 15) and thus, the user isable to select the optimal photographing location mark by checking thephotographing location on the map.

(4) Photographing location mark settings can be selectively adjusted onthe map by specifically targeting the photographing location markswithin the frame 28. Thus, a plurality of photographing location marksettings can be adjusted in a batch with ease.

(5) The user can choose not to display a photographing location byselecting the option “no mark”. Thus, no photographing location mark isdisplayed on the map in correspondence to any photographing location theuser does not wish to disclose.

(6) A common photographing location mark can be selected for all theimages in a batch (see FIG. 16), affording a high level of conveniencewhen the user wishes to indicate the photographing locations of all theimages with a single type of mark.

(7) A specific length of time limit can be set over which thephotographing location mark setting details remain effective, affordinga high level of convenience for users wishing to set a limited effectiveperiod for the current settings.

(8) By switching the photographing location mark display, either adisplay of the photographing location marks resulting from settingadjustment (with no mark displayed for a photographing location forwhich “no mark” has been selected) or a display with all thephotographing location marks (with the default mark displayed for aphotographing location for which “no mark” has been selected) can bebrought up.

(9) Since a photographing location can be indicated by a directionalmark, the user is able to ascertain the photographing direction alongwhich the image was photographed at the particular photographinglocation.

(10) Since the directional mark is used to indicate the photographinglocation only when the scale of the map on display is greater than apredetermined value, it is ensured that the direction is indicated in astate in which the subject, such as a building, is visible on the map.

(11) When transmitting image data files to an external device,restrictions are applied (see FIGS. 28˜31) with regard to thetransmission contents (transmission data) based upon the informationindicating the recipient, and thus, the user is able to selectively sendonly the information he wishes to send. Such restrictions on thetransmission contents can be imposed with ease by pre-registering arecipient data list and checking whether or not the e-mail address ofthe recipient entered by the user has a match in the registered list orwhether or not the registered list has a match with the postal code orthe area (registered position information) correlated to the e-mailaddress.

(12) When transmitting image data files to an external device,restrictions are applied (see FIG. 33) with regard to the transmissioncontents based upon the information indicating the sender location (userlocation), and thus, the user is able to selectively send only theinformation he wishes to send. Such restrictions on the transmissioncontents can be imposed with ease by pre-registering a sender locationdata list and checking whether or not the postal code or the areaindicated by the current position information has a match in theregistered list.

(13) When transmitting image data files to an external device,restrictions are applied (see FIGS. 34˜36) with regard to thetransmission contents (transmission data) based upon the transmissiontarget image information and thus, the user is able to selectively sendonly the information he wishes to send. Such restrictions on thetransmission contents can be imposed with ease by pre-registering aphotographing location data list and checking whether or not the postalcode or the area indicated in the position information (informationindicating the photographing location) included in the transmissiontarget image information has a match in the registered list.

(14) In addition, restrictions on the transmission contents can beimposed with ease by pre-registering a photographing mode data list andchecking whether or not the photographing mode in which the transmissiontarget image was photographed has a match (registered photographingmode) in the registered list.

(15) By applying or not applying the restrictions on the transmissioncontents, the user is able to choose whether or not to include theposition information enabling identification of the photographinglocation in the transmission contents (see FIG. 32). Thus, the user'schoice, i.e., whether he wishes to disclose the location at which thetransmission target image was photographed or does not wish to disclosethe photographing location, is respected.

(Variation 12)

When selecting types of marks on the map, the settings for thephotographing location marks outside the frame 28 may be selectivelyselected/adjusted instead of selecting/adjusting the photographinglocation marks within the frame 28. In addition, options “set insideframe 28” and “set outside frame 28” may be made available.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the present invention is now described. Thefollowing explanation focuses on the difference from the first throughthird embodiments, with the same reference numerals assigned tocomponents identical to those in the first through third embodiments, topreclude the necessity for a repeated explanation. In other words,unless a given component is particularly noted, it is identical to thecorresponding component in the first through third embodiments. Theembodiment allows a map image to be displayed in the photographing mode(see FIG. 6) as well.

At the electronic camera 10 achieved in the embodiment, either a mapimage to be used in the photographing mode or a map image of an area tobe used in the reproduction mode can be selected. When the electroniccamera 10 is set in the photographing mode, a map image around thecurrent position of the electronic camera 10 (the position determinedthrough arithmetic operation executed based upon the reception signalprovided from the GPS device 114) and a photographing location mark(corresponding to the current position), superimposed over the mapimage, are displayed at the liquid crystal monitor 111 in a step whichmay be executed, for instance, between step S65 and step S66. It isdesirable that the most up-to-date map information (map data) beobtained from an external device (a personal computer or the like) viathe wireless interface 116 or the external interface 112 and be used todisplay the map image. The use of the most up-to-date map informationensures that the photographing location mark is not displayed on anout-of-date map.

However, it is desirable to display a map image (after making anaffirmative decision in step S11) that contains the position determinedat the time of the photographing operation (i.e., the photographinglocation at which the image in the image file recorded in the recordingmedium 10A was photographed) in the reproduction mode (see FIG. 5) byusing map information created on a date closest to the imagephotographing date and preceding the photographing date. The use of themap information created around the photographing date ensures that thephotographing location mark is not displayed over the wrong version ofthe map. It is to be noted that if map information that may be used todisplay the map image in the version corresponding to the photographingdate is not recorded in the recording medium 10A, such map informationshould be obtained from an external device via the wireless interface116 or the external interface 112.

It is desirable that when displaying on the map image a plurality ofphotographing location marks indicating a plurality of photographinglocations at which images were photographed on different photographingdates, map information having been created on a date closest to the mostrecent photographing date among the plurality of image photographingdates and preceding the particular photographing date be used.

It is also desirable that when displaying a plurality of photographinglocation marks on the map image, the optimal scale to be assumed inconjunction with the map information be determined so as to ensure thatthe photographing marks are displayed in correspondence to all theimages recorded in a specific folder in the recording medium 10A withinthe display range at the liquid crystal monitor 111. The map informationassuming the scale thus determined may be obtained from an externaldevice. Through these measures, photographing location marks can bedisplayed on the map image in correspondence to all the images.

However, if the scaling factor determined as described earlier is equalto or less than the predetermined value, map information assuming ascale greater than the predetermined value should be obtained from theexternal device in a plurality of installments. Under suchcircumstances, the plurality of photographing location marks will bedisplayed over a plurality of map images. Generally speaking, betteruser convenience is afforded by displaying photographing location markson a map with a large scaling factor, in which details such as buildingscan be recognized, rather than by displaying photographing locationmarks on a wide-area map with a small scaling factor, since the user islikely to be able to remember exactly what he photographed at a specificphotographing location by identifying a building or the like present atthe photographing location.

The embodiments described above are simply provided as examples andcomponents other than those in the embodiments may be used as long asthe features characterizing the present invention are not compromised.In addition, the first through fourth embodiments and variations 1through 12 in reference to which the present invention has beendescribed may be adopted in any combination thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a communicationunit that is engaged in communication with an external device; a controlunit that adds image information into transmission data to betransmitted to the communication unit; and a decision-making unit thatmakes a decision in correspondence to information indicating a recipientof the transmission data as to whether or not to allow photographinglocation information included in the image information to be included inthe transmission data.
 2. An electronic device according to claim 1,wherein: if the information indicating the recipient matchespreregistered information, the decision-making unit determines that thephotographing location information is to be included in the transmissiondata.
 3. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: if theinformation indicating the recipient matches preregistered information,the decision-making unit determines that the photographing locationinformation is not to be included in the transmission data.
 4. Anelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein: the informationindicating the recipient includes at least one of; an e-mail address, adistrict and a ZIP code.
 5. An electronic device, comprising: acommunication unit that is engaged in communication with an externaldevice; a control unit that adds image information into transmissiondata to be transmitted to the communication unit; a positioning unitthat detects position information; and a decision-making unit that makesa decision in correspondence to the position information detected viathe positioning unit as to whether or not to allow photographinglocation information in the image information to be included in thetransmission data.
 6. An electronic device according to claim 5,wherein: if the detected position information matches registeredposition information having been registered in advance, thedecision-making unit determines that the photographing locationinformation is to be included in the transmission data.
 7. An electronicdevice according to claim 5, wherein: if the detected positioninformation matches registered position information having beenregistered in advance, the decision-making unit determines that thephotographing location information is not to be included in thetransmission data.
 8. An electronic device according to claim 6,wherein: the registered position information includes at least one of adistrict and a ZIP code.
 9. An electronic device, comprising: acommunication unit that is engaged in communication with an externaldevice; a control unit that adds image information into transmissiondata to be transmitted from the communication unit; and adecision-making unit that makes a decision in correspondence to imageinformation to be added into the transmission data as to whether or notto allow photographing location information included in the imageinformation to be included in the transmission data.
 10. An electronicdevice according to claim 9, wherein: if the photographing locationinformation matches registered photographing location information havingbeen registered in advance, the decision-making unit determines that thephotographing location information is to be included in the transmissiondata.
 11. An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: if thephotographing location information matches registered photographinglocation information having been registered in advance, thedecision-making unit determines that the photographing locationinformation is not to be included in the transmission data.
 12. Anelectronic device according to claim 10, wherein: the registeredphotographing location information includes at least one of a districtand a ZIP code.
 13. An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein:if photographing mode information in image information to be added intothe transmission data matches registered photographing mode informationhaving been registered in advance, the decision-making unit determinesthat the photographing location information is to be included in thetransmission data.
 14. An electronic device according to claim 9,wherein: if photographing mode information in image information to beadded into the transmission data matches registered photographing modeinformation having been registered in advance, the decision-making unitdetermines that the photographing location information is not to beincluded in the transmission data.
 15. An electronic device according toclaim 13, wherein: the registered photographing mode informationindicates one of a landscape mode and a portrait mode.